Services & Obituaries

London Free Press Publication Date
Saturday, February 6, 2021

BEAL, Irene….

Surrounded by her family at Parkwood Hospital, London, on Saturday, January 30, 2021, Irene I. (Gray) Beal in her 98th year. Predeceased by her loving husband of 67 years Ralph Beal (2010). Loving mother of Doug Beal (Cindy) of Port Dover, Don Beal (Tammy) of Ipperwash and Debbie Chief (Dennis) of London. Cherished gramma of Jennifer, Sarah, Jeremy, Derek, Ryan, Paul, Amber, Ashley, Darrian and great-gramma of Dahlia, Everett, Addison, Aria, Luca and Brian. Dear sister-in-law of Eileen Beal and Jan Gray. Predeceased by her sister Ilene and her brothers Tom, Ernie, Gord, Doug, Ken, Don and Ed. The family would like to thank the staff at Parkwood and Grandwood Park for their kindness and care of Irene. A private visitation and graveside service was held. Interment in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to The War Amps, 2827 Riverside Drive, Ottawa ON K1V 0C4. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ANDERSEN, Vicky (nee Bolton)….

Victoria died peacefully and with grace in her home in London, Ontario surrounded by love on 29 January 2021.

Mum/Vicky/Gam was deeply loved and loved beyond measure. She will be greatly missed by her husband of 49 years, Bjarne Andersen, and their children, Peter (Jennifer), Megan (Chris), Susan (Owen), and her grandchildren, of whom she was most proud, Kate, Amelia, Jack, Bridget, Thomas, Grace, Lily, and Beatrice. Also by her brother David Bolton and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brother Harold Bolton.

Victoria immigrated to Canada with her parents, Joan and Martin in 1967. She worked as a teacher with the TVDSB, as a mother, a gardener, a painter with The Lambeth Art Association, a volunteer at Ten Thousand Villages, Ronald McDonald House, and St. Aidan’s Anglican Church. But most of all she was a fierce and unabashed champion for people, vulnerable people most of all.

A private funeral will take place at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church with Reverend Canon Dr. Kevin George officiating. A public memorial service will be held when possible.

In lieu of flowers, we ask you to consider a donation to LUSO, 2-1193 Oxford Street East, London ON N5Y 3M2 or Doctors Without Borders (MSF), 551 Adelaide Street West, Toronto ON M5V 0N8.

A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

NOSKO, Nadia (Nellie) Alekseevna (née Gorbasew)…

Passed away peacefully in her 87th year at Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario on Thursday, January 28, 2021. Devoted wife of 65 years to the late Leonard (2016); loving mother to Peter (Susan), Paul and Lora McKitterick (Wayne); beloved grandmother to Paul, Luke and Chloe; cherished great-grandmother to Austin; and dear sister to the late Alexander Gorbasew (2011), Valentina Golovchenko and Svetlana Isyumov. Born in May of 1934, in a small fishing/farming community in southwest Russia, Nadia and her family immigrated to Canada following WWII. She was married in 1950 in Raymond, Alberta, just before moving to London. A selfless and generous person, she devoted her life to her family, church, the care of others and homeless cats. Needlework was her passion and therapy and over many years, countless hours were spent skilfully embroidering vestments, robes and other items for her church. A private family funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at the Russian Orthodox Church of Christ the Saviour, 140 Fairview Avenue, London, ON N6C 4T8 with the Very Reverend Vladimir Morin officiating. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London to follow. All those attending the funeral service are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the church. The family is grateful to Dr. S. Malik and the dedicated staff of the Palliative Care Unit at Victoria Hospital for their support and for taking such good care of our mother and grandmother. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

COX, Philip Edwin…    
In his 89th year passed away peacefully in London, on January 28, 2021.   He is survived by his loving wife Meryl (Watson) of 66 years and devoted sons David (Linda), Thomas (Carol-Ann) and daughter Diane Thatcher (Jeffrey).  He was truly a family man and was so proud of each of his seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  He was the loving brother to Robert Cox (Nancy) and Marnie Hazle (Stanley) and brother-in-law to Reg Watson (Lynda) and Wayne Watson (Jill).  He is predeceased by sister Patricia & Bennett Purchase and in-laws Arlene & Don Simpson and Carl & Audrey Watson.  He was a special uncle to several nieces and nephews.

Technician for Bell Canada was Phil’s 35 year career and he was blessed to enjoy 30 years of retirement.  He was a life member of St. Paul’s Lodge, No. 107 and was a faithful member of St. Michael & All Angels Anglican Church for the past 60 years.  Family camping, exploring Canada from coast to coast, was a great part of Phil’s life.  He and Meryl built fond memories and lasting friendships through square and round dancing and lawn bowling.  In his spare time Phil enjoyed wood working projects, wood carving and he led the family hobby of rock hounding and lapidary.  
 
The family sincerely thanks Dr. S. Ernst and Dr. N. Hertzman and the compassionate and very special staff at St. Joseph’s Hospice for their professional guidance through Phil’s long journey with cancer.  A private family funeral service will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home on Saturday, January 30, 2021 officiated by Archdeacon K. Sam Thomas. For those who cannot attend, a livestream will be available at www.amgfh.com beginning at 2pm.  Memorial donations may be made to St. Michael & All Angels Anglican Church, 397 Springbank Drive, London, Ontario, N6J 1G7 or to St. Joseph’s Hospice, PO Box 1449, Station B, London, Ontario, N6A 5M2. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PRITCHETT, Ted (Edward John)…

Passed away suddenly on January 19, 2021 at home after a short illness.  Fun-loving baby brother to Rick (Karen), Joanne and to sister-in-law Joyce. Predeceased by brother, Charlie and parents Fred and Ruth.  Proud Uncle to Mike (Lorna), Bill (Joanie), Lisa (Rod), Sheryl (Vince), Christine (Jason), Jennifer and Great Uncle to Chrystal, Billy, Rebecca, Zachary, Luke, Wendel, Max, Matthew, Kyra, Nicholas and Tori. Special cousin-brother to Kim, Don and Terry and survived by many Potter, Laidlow, Lauckner, McDonald, Swayzie and Walper cousins.

Ted was a retired employee of Labatt Brewery and had many fond memories of his working days, particularly when the company was a family owned business. His friendships continued with some of his fellow Labatt friends after retirement.

Many thanks to Ted’s friendly and caring neighbours. We know he appreciated your friendship and all that you did to support him.

Ted was a good and loyal son, brother, uncle, friend and neighbour, whose sense of humor will be missed by all.    

A celebration of Ted’s life will be held at a future date. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GELDARD, Alfred “Red”….

Peacefully at Parkwood Institute Veteran’s Care, London, on Saturday, January 16, 2021, Alfred “Red” Geldard passed away in his 96th year. Red was 16 when he joined the Canadian Navy in World War II. He served as a coder on the HMCS Sackville and HMCS Stellarton on the North Atlantic. He enjoyed hunting and fishing for many years while at their cottage in Southampton. He loved to do woodworking and was a gifted cartoonist. He enjoyed entertaining others by playing the piano and accordion. After the war he worked construction and then started a Novelty Ornament business in the 50’s. He then had a long career with Canada Cement Lafarge and eventually became Health and Safety Director. After retiring, he and his wife Helen spent the winters in Florida where he continued his hobbies and played some golf.

Beloved husband of the late Helen Geldard (nee Fraser) (2004). Dear father of Tom Geldard and his wife Lyse of London and Patti Hannah and her husband Thom of Westbank, BC. Much loved Grandpa of Jo-elle (Mark), Erin (Dan), Aimee (Mike), Bill (Julie) and Leighanne (James). Great-Grandpa (Poppa Rouge) of Mackenzie (Greg), Matthew, Elyse, Liam, Hannah, Chloe, Victoria, Claire, Emerson and Walker.

Red was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 60 years and saw firsthand the tremendous support the Legion provides to the veteran’s at Parkwood. The family wish to thank the wonderful staff at Parkwood Veteran’s Care. Special thanks to all the staff on 4 Elgin for their care, compassion and support.

At Red’s request, cremation will take place with a private family interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London to reunite him with his wife Helen. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Parkwood Veteran’s Care – Wing 4 Elgin, c/o St. Joseph’s Health Foundation, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A 4V2 or to your local Royal Canadian Legion Branch. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McColl, Ruth…

Peacefully at Chartwell Long Term Care Residence, Parkhill, Ontario, on Monday, January 11th, 2021, Ruth Isabel McColl (née Brown) of London, Ontario, in her 98th year.  Beloved wife of the late Donald Alexander “Alex” McColl.  Loving mother of David McColl and his wife, Jane Bowley, of Appin, Dr. Donald McColl and his wife, Ann, of London, Duncan McColl of Ilderton (with Debby Candler), Marion Wood and her husband, Alan Wood, of Ilderton, and Holly McColl of London.  Predeceased by her parents, James C. Brown and Grace E. Brown (née McLachlan), her infant brother, James “Douglas” Brown, Gordon and his spouse Helen Brown, Dr. Alan and his spouse Shirley Brown, her brothers-in-law, Samuel McColl and Stewart McColl, and also her grandson, Benjamin Alexander McColl.

Survived by her brother, Ross Brown, and sister, Barbara Brown, of Tupperville.  Also survived by her sisters-in-law, Gertrude McColl, of Glencoe, and Viola McColl, of Dutton.  Loved by her grandchildren Eliza (with Justin Meade) and Grace McColl, Charlotte McColl, Samuel, Jacob and Aidan McColl, Dr. Amy Janzwood and her husband, Scott and Rebecca Wood.  Also missed by her nieces and nephews and their families.

Gas station attendant, apprentice farmer, musician, school teacher (trained at London Normal School), voracious reader, gardener, tamer of crossword puzzles and luminous voice in church – in a world of vainglory, as humble as can be. The family is grateful for the exemplary care provided by Dr. A. Whynot and the staff of Chartwell Parkhill Long Term Care Residence.

The family also wishes to acknowledge the thoroughgoing care of Dr. V. Rajgopal and the staff of Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital.

All those attending the funeral home are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. The PRIVATE funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2021, at 11am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home. Friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpfL6_cm3hysYQm6qoamdgQ?app=desktop or our website (www.amgfh.com) and clicking on the YouTube logo. Interment in The Covenanted Baptist Cemetery, Melbourne, Ontario.

As an expression of sympathy, contributions may be made to Chartwell Parkhill Long Term Care Residence, 250 Tain Street, Parkhill, Ontario, N0M 2K0 or to Friends of Medway Creek, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, 1424 Clarke Road, London, Ontario, N5V 5B9. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com          

REID, Maysie

In loving memory of Maysie Reid, who passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 9^th, 2021, in her 103^rd year. Maysie lived her life with purpose, zest, and a sense of adventure. She had an amazing ability to tackle life head on, and never seemed to slow down. Dear mother of Leslie Ann (Reid) Fitchett and Susan Reid. Loving grandmother of Karen, Jane (Jim), Jen (Wally), and Amy. Dear grandmother-in-law to Chris. Maysie was active in the lives of her 7 great grandchildren: Zach, Cassidy, Julia, Erin, Tiago, Sophie, and Mateo. She is predeceased by her husband Les (1976) and her brothers, Charles and Bob.

Maysie was born in Toronto and lived in Peterborough for much of her married life, where she was involved in church activities, curling and the IODE. In 1968, she moved to London to be closer to family, and became an active member of Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church and was a valued member of the Classified Ad team at the London Free Press until her retirement in 1983. 

Maysie has been cremated and will be buried in Peterborough with her husband, Les. A memorial service will be hosted by Reverend Dr. Andrew Fullerton at Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, in London at a future date. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Maysie may donate to Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, in lieu of flowers. 

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the excellent care and attention received by Maysie at Extendicare Nursing Home here in London.

Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com   

BEITANS, Arvids….

Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario, Arvids Beitans passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 in his 98th year. Beloved husband of the late Erika Beitans. Loving father of Dace Smits and her late husband Edgars of Latvia, Inta Kusmanis and her husband Peteris of Toronto, Jan Beitans and his wife Brandy Shaw of Lucan and Martins Beitans of Granton. Cherished grandfather of Martins and Ieva Smits of Latvia, Talis Smits and his wife Katrina Balcere-Smite, Ansitis Smits who passed away in early childhood, Anneli (Kusmanis) and her husband Eriks Lusis of Kalamazoo Michigan, and cherished great-grandfather of Lilija and Anna Lusis, also of Kalamazoo. Dear brother of Ilga Vanags and her husband Arturs of Latvia. Predeceased by his sister Nelija Rozite and brothers Karlis and Ojars, all of Latvia. Arvids is also survived by his nieces and nephews, and their children, in Latvia and the European Union, as well as other relatives in Canada, USA and Australia. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a private family interment will take place at Woodland Cemetery, London. Donations in Arvids’ memory may be made to a charity of your choosing. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

LUPTON, Marie Megan (Dollimore)…

Passed away peacefully at Huronlea Home for the Aged on Monday January 4, 2021 in her 94th year, and formerly of Huntsville.

Cherished mother of Pamela McClary (Mike Febbraio) of Wasaga Beach; Craig Dollimore (Sharon) of London; Eric Dollimore (Hayley) of London; Brian Dollimore of Markham; Elliot Dollimore (Tracey) of Oakville; and Regan Dollimore of Calgary.

Dear grandmother of Carol McClary (Aaron Bolarinho) of Toronto; Sean Dollimore (Meghan) of London; Emma Cadotte (Josh) of London.

Loving sister of Muriel Hall (aged 102) of Bradford. Predeceased by her sisters Pat Johnson of Maple, Marjorie Steel of Toronto. They were the daughters of the late John “Jack” & Emily Hall of Ravenscliffe, then of Huntsville and related to the May’s. Predeceased by her 2 husbands: Ernie Dollimore and George Lupton of Dwight.

Marie will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews: Roger Steele, Maureen & Ken Blakelock; Richard & Lynn Johnson; Helen Johnson, Ruth & Dave Griepsma, and all of their children.

Marie loved to walk all around Huntsville, enjoyed music, played the piano, loved to travel and was very curious which caused her to read many books from the Library on a huge variety of subjects. She was also in the Choir and a volunteer at All Saints Anglican Church and played the organ at times.

Donations in Marie’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.

A private service will take place at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com